CICUTOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Cicutoxin is a highly toxic chemical compound found in certain plants, particularly in the roots and seeds of various species of the water hemlock (Cicuta) plant. It is classified as a polyketide, which is a naturally occurring compound derived from fatty acids.
This chemical has a unique structure that makes it extremely toxic to mammals, including humans. Cicutoxin is a potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system, specifically targeting and blocking certain receptors in nerve cells. This disruption in normal neurological function can lead to severe convulsions, seizures, respiratory distress, and ultimately, death.
The toxicity of cicutoxin is such that it is considered one of the most poisonous substances occurring naturally. Ingestion of even small amounts can cause life-threatening symptoms, and there is no known antidote to counteract its effects. Therefore, extreme caution must be exercised when handling or consuming any plant material that may contain cicutoxin.
Despite its inherent danger, cicutoxin has garnered interest from the scientific community due to its potential pharmaceutical applications. Researchers have been studying its toxic effects in order to better understand nerve cell function and develop treatments for certain neurological disorders.
In summary, cicutoxin is a highly toxic compound found in certain plants, primarily water hemlock, which affects the central nervous system. Its extreme toxicity makes it potentially lethal to humans and animals, and its structure has garnered interest in the field of neuroscience research.
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An amorphous resinous substance obtained from the water-hemlock, Cicuta virosa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CICUTOXIN
- xicutoxin
- vicutoxin
- ficutoxin
- dicutoxin
- cucutoxin
- cjcutoxin
- ckcutoxin
- cocutoxin
- c9cutoxin
- c8cutoxin
- cixutoxin
- civutoxin
- cifutoxin
- cidutoxin
- cicytoxin
- cichtoxin
- cicjtoxin
- cicitoxin
- cic8toxin
Etymology of CICUTOXIN
The word "Cicutoxin" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the scientific Latin name of the plant known as Water Hemlock, Cicuta virosa. The plant Cicuta virosa is a highly toxic plant found in Europe and North America, known for containing the poisonous compound called cicutoxin. The term "cicutoxin" is a combination of the Latin word "cicuta", meaning "hemlock", and the suffix "-toxin", denoting a toxic substance.
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